SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, LA – Group travel planners seeking a group-friendly Mardi Gras experience are invited to attend the 10th Annual Red River Mardi Gras Bash in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. The party, a 2014 American Bus Association Top 100 Event, is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Groups in attendance will "let the good times roll" at an afternoon-long party leading up to the Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade, one of the largest Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to a climate-controlled party tent located on the parade route as well as live entertainment, savory Cajun/Creole food, king cake, a commemorative Mardi Gras bead and t-shirt, and several hands-on experiences. Tickets for the event are $40 per person and may be purchased by contacting Erica Howard, group sales manager for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, at 800-551-8682 ext. 104 or ehoward@sbctb.org. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Once the parade begins, groups will see brightly colored floats, marching bands, outrageous Mardi Gras personalities and more while catching beads. The parade route offers plenty of excitement throughout the day.

“My group loves attending the Red River Mardi Gras Bash year after year, because it's a great way to experience Mardi Gras in a family-friendly style,” said Mary Ann Galvan, director of Legend Bank Travel Club in Linn, Mississippi. “We always enjoy visiting Shreveport-Bossier during Carnival season, and we can't wait to come back again for the 10th anniversary celebration.”

Groups looking to add additional Mardi Gras experiences to their itineraries while visiting Shreveport can take a behind-the-scenes tour at Julie Anne's Bakery to see how an authentic king cake is made, shop for Mardi Gras souvenirs at Tubb's Hardware and Rentals, tour the Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum or visit one of the six riverboat casinos.

Tickets to the 10th Annual Red River Mardi Gras Bash are now available to groups of 10 or more. To purchase group tickets or for more information, contact Erica Howard, group sales manager for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, at 800-551-8682 ext. 104 or ehoward@sbctb.org. To learn more about Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier, visit www.shreveport-bossier.org/mardi-gras.